Cleaning Candle Soot

A longtime green advocate, Heloise has been answering house-care questions for 30-plus years.

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Question

A candle in the bathroom left soot on the wall -- what's the best way to remove the mark? -- Trupti Patel, Chicago

Answer

First, vacuum the wall with an upholstery attachment to remove as much soot as possible. Add several drops of mild liquid soap to a quart of water, then dip a sponge in the solution and use it to clean the wall. Start with a small area and rinse well before moving to a new section so you don't smear the grime. Avoid placing candles too close to walls -- high heat can also cause paint to peel.

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